Impact of Resistance Training-Protein Supplementation on Lean Muscle Mass in Childhood Cancer Survivors

This study is being conducted because low lean muscle mass is prevalent among childhood cancer survivors. Lean muscle is the non-fatty muscle tissue that makes up part of the body's lean body mass. Low lean muscle mass is associated with loss of overall body strength, declining mobility and eventually, loss of independence. Among childhood cancer survivors, low lean muscle mass may contribute to reduced physical functioning and a sense of fatigue with exertion, limiting ability to participate in adequate physical activity. Loss of strength and a sense of fatigue with repeated movement make it difficult to participate in daily activities. Although there have not been exercise intervention studies among childhood cancer survivors specifically designed to evaluate the effects of resistance training on muscle mass, studies among individuals with chronic disease, including survivors of adult onset cancers, indicate that resistance exercise improves muscle mass, muscle strength, mobility, vitality and physical activity levels. Resistance training (weight lifting) is a form of physical activity that is designed to improve muscular fitness by exercising a muscle or a muscle group against external resistance. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of resistance training combined with either a protein supplement or a sports drink on changes in lean muscle mass in young adults who were treated for childhood cancer. The sports drink, for this study, is considered a placebo.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

44 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants must be enrolled on the SJLIFE protocol at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
* 18.0-44.99 years of age
* \>10 years post first cancer diagnosis.
* English speaking.
* Live within a 45-minute drive of a greater Memphis area ATC Fitness Center
* Low lean mass defined as either:

  * Age- and sex-specific relative lean muscle mass standard deviation score ≤ -1.0.

OR

* Body fat content greater than or equal to 25% in males or greater than or equal to 35% in females.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant (assessed by serum pregnancy test).
* Contraindications to resistance training or protein supplementation (e.g. renal) verified by a physician.